Outcome of very low birthweight infants who required prolonged hospitalization

Abstract Over a 4 year study period, 294 infants with a birthweight ≤ 1500 g survived their initial hospitalization; 103 (35%) were discharged after a gestational age of 40 weeks. The postdischarge infant mortality was significantly higher in those with prolonged initial hospitalization compared with the remaining survivors (6% vs 1%). During the first 2 years, significant infections were found in 66% and rehospitalization in 54% of the children who had prolonged initial hospitalization. At 2 years, 34% were below the 10th centile for weight as were 39% for height; head circumferences were normal. Major disability (27% vs 15%) and developmental delay (13% vs 4%) were significantly more common in survivors with prolonged initial hospitalization compared with the remaining survivors. The study demonstrated the continuing toll of perinatal morbidity among very low birthweight infants who required prolonged hospitalization and emphasized the need for comprehensive medical and social support, not only during their initial hospitalization, but also after discharge.